News Flash: Your 2026 Cost of Living Adjustment

Cost of Living Adjustments (COLAs) for retirees and DROP participants in the Employees', Police Officers, and Uniformed Retirement Systems, in the amount of 3.0%, will be effective July 1, 2026.

Per County Code, the COLA is calculated based on the annual increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) from March of last year to March of this year. Specifically, the CPI used to calculate the COLA is for the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area and is calculated by the Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

What to Expect:

• It will take effect on July 1st
• You will see the increase on your July 31st benefit payment
• If you have been retired for less than a year, your COLA will be prorated
• Your updated benefit amount will be reflected on your monthly pay advice available on your MyRetirement portal.

Stay Connected

Fairfax County has three defined benefit retirement systems: Employees’, Police Officers, and Uniformed. The Retirement Systems mission is to provide excellent oversight and accountability for these retirement systems and provide the best customer service we can to all our members. Each system is overseen by a Board of Trustees made up of employees, retirees, County officials, and resident appointees.

Website: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/retirement/
Email: retirementcommunications@fairfaxcounty.gov
Phone: 703-279-8200
12015 Route 50, Suite 350, Fairfax, VA 22033
Our office is open Monday through Friday from 8am to 4:30pm
with walk-in hours from 11am to 2pm.